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ADHD

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)

ADHD is a condition that affects attention, activity and impulse control. It is often spotted in childhood, but many people are not diagnosed until adulthood. Support and treatment can make a big difference.

Written by Neil Hyde Last checked 1 minute read

On this page
  1. Signs of ADHD
  2. Getting assessed
  3. Conditions that often come with ADHD
  4. Treatment

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a condition that affects how the brain manages attention, activity and impulses. It is a neurodevelopmental condition, which means it starts in childhood and affects how the brain develops. It is not caused by bad parenting or lack of effort.

Signs of ADHD

ADHD looks different in everyone. Signs are usually grouped into two types, and many people have both.

Inattention:

  • being easily distracted and finding it hard to focus
  • forgetting things and losing things
  • starting tasks but not finishing them
  • finding organising, planning and time management hard

Hyperactivity and impulsiveness:

  • restlessness and fidgeting
  • talking a lot or interrupting
  • acting without thinking
  • finding it hard to wait

In adults, hyperactivity often shows as inner restlessness. Many adults, especially women, have mainly inattentive symptoms, which are easier to miss.

Getting assessed

  • Children: talk to your child's GP or school, who can refer to a specialist service.
  • Adults: see your GP, who can refer you to an adult ADHD service. A specialist, usually a psychiatrist, makes the diagnosis.

Waiting lists are long in many areas. In England, you can use Right to Choose to choose another NHS-funded provider, which may have a shorter wait. Ask your GP.

Conditions that often come with ADHD

ADHD often occurs with anxiety, depression, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia and sleep problems.

Treatment

Treatment can include medicine, support and practical strategies. See ADHD treatment.

Common questions

Can adults be diagnosed with ADHD?

Yes. Many adults are diagnosed later in life, often after struggling for years at school, work or home. To be diagnosed, symptoms usually need to have been present since childhood.

What is Right to Choose?

In England, if your GP agrees you need an ADHD assessment, you have the legal right to choose which NHS-funded provider assesses you. This can sometimes mean a shorter wait. It does not apply in Wales.

Sources we used

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